Sleep Blog – Our Top Resources
Understanding and Improving Sleep: A Guide for Parents and Professionals
Sleep is a fundamental aspect of health and development, yet understanding what constitutes “normal” sleep can be complex. The concept of normal sleep includes various patterns, habits, and individual needs, which can make it a challenging topic for many parents, families, and professionals.
Sleep is crucial for overall well-being, and the definition of normal sleep can vary widely. Factors such as age, individual needs, and external conditions all influence our sleep patterns. For children, fostering good sleep habits is especially important, as it impacts their growth, mood, and general health. Below, we explore valuable resources and tips to help you understand and improve sleep hygiene for children.
Understanding Normal Sleep Patterns
Understanding what constitutes normal sleep is the first step in improving sleep habits. While there is no universal standard, general guidelines can be helpful. For instance, infants might need up to 16 hours of sleep a day, while teenagers generally require about 8-10 hours. The quality of sleep is as important as the quantity, and disrupted sleep patterns can affect behavior and health.
For further insights into normal sleep patterns and habits, check out our detailed blog post on promoting sleep here.
Essential Resources for Understanding and Improving Sleep
We have grabbed some of our tried and true resources – and popped them into this handy blog here! Check them out and let us know what you think!
1. NHS Great Ormond Street
Why We Love It:
NHS Great Ormond Street provides comprehensive information on sleep expectations for various ages, along with practical tips for addressing sleep challenges. It’s a valuable resource for understanding common sleep issues and exploring potential solutions.
Who’s It Best For:
Parents, therapists, teachers, support workers
Cost:
FREE
Where to Get It:
Visit NHS Great Ormond Street
2. The Sleep Council
Why We Love It:
The Sleep Council offers expert advice on improving sleep for children, teens, and adults. They also provide accredited training for professionals, making it an essential resource for those in the field.
Who’s It Best For:
Parents, therapists
Cost:
FREE
Where to Get It:
Visit The Sleep Council
3. Raising Children Network
Why We Love It:
This site offers targeted information for managing sleep issues in children with Autism. It’s an excellent resource for understanding and addressing the unique sleep needs of children on the autism spectrum.
Who’s It Best For:
Parents
Cost:
FREE
Where to Get It:
Visit Raising Children Network
Additional Resources
4. Sleep.org
Why We Love It:
Sleep.org provides evidence-based information on sleep hygiene, including practical tips and strategies for improving sleep quality for both children and adults. Their articles cover a range of topics from sleep disorders to creating a sleep-friendly environment.
Who’s It Best For:
Parents, therapists, teachers
Cost:
FREE
Where to Get It:
Visit Sleep.org
Conclusion
Navigating the complexities of sleep can be challenging, but with the right resources and strategies, you can make informed decisions and create effective sleep routines. Whether you’re a parent looking to improve your child’s sleep or a professional seeking to support families, these resources offer valuable insights and practical solutions.
By understanding normal sleep patterns and exploring helpful resources, you can support better sleep for children and promote overall well-being. For more tips and information on sleep hygiene, and how to promote sleep routines, check out our previous blogs here.
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